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Wednesday April 9, 2008
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 I am bummed as all get-out that I couldn't make it to Robobusiness in Pittsburgh this year, especially since odd bot wonders like this are showing up (pretty much unannounced on the show floor). The Segway RMP (Robotic Mobility Platform) could be a personal conveyance system, a futuristic skateboard or some sort of army workhorse (it can haul 400 pounds, after all).
The robot, which comes from the same company that brought you the Segway Personal Transporter (formerly known as "It" and "Ginger"), has four wheels, so it isn't doing any amazing balancing tricks. The buzz in Make's article is the wheels. Looking nothing like typical wheels, these Mecanum devices can roll in virtually any direction. That should give this movable platform a high-degree of maneuverability.
Still, questions abound:
Who will use this thing?
Why isn't there a handle or railing to hold onto for passengers?
Does it work via remote control or mind control?
Why didn't the RMP get a nifty nickname?
We'll deliver more details when we get them.
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April 9, 2008 2:38 PM
This reminds me of an old idea I had about a vehicular/personal transport for those who need to travel to the park/beach/showroom floor/local fair with their wares and have to leave their vehicle a few blocks away. This would come to almost help with my idea - I see that I should have pursued it back then. Anyhow, see how people haul a large cooler to the beach? would you prefer to carry it, or drag it on the sand? Now this little robot thing would be just perfect for that job. How about portable tables, a tent and a generator? No need to get a hernia or walk back and forth for an hour just to set up shop.
April 9, 2008 3:23 PM
Yeah, but look at all the machinery in the robot itself -- it must weigh a ton! You'd get a hernia just getting that thing out of your car to haul everything else...
April 9, 2008 4:28 PM
What machinery?You got x-ray vision or something?How can you tell what it weighs just by looking at it.What's it made out of?Titainium? Nonobtanium? Cast iron? Inert plutomium?
April 10, 2008 6:28 PM
This is a VERY OLD idea. There is nothing innovative about these wheels or 'mule' platform. Just Google 'omni wheel' or 'mule robot' and you'll see plenty and can make your own. The wheels are good if you have a very flat/hard surface but will get stuck in carpet, grass, dirt, sand, etc.
If you want really cool roller mobility, Google 'roller leg bot' and be sure to check out a newer rendition of 60's technology at http://dvice.com/archives/2007/09/rollerwalker_robot_changes_mod.php